Director of Quality Assurance

Stonyfield Farm is the nation’s fastest growing yogurt company and leading producer of all natural and organic yogurts.  We are committed to producing the best-tasting and healthiest refrigerated yogurt, cultured soy, frozen yogurt and ice cream while also pursuing our mission to protect and restore the earth. We are currently seeking a Director of Quality Assurance

 Job summary

Responsible for providing oversight and direction in all aspects of quality department level activities in support of the Londonderry Plant.  Assist in ensuring that company mission and goals are achieved by participating in the formulation and implementation of all Quality Assurance and technical programs, policies and procedures as related to department oversight and responsibility, and adherence to regulatory compliance for all products and processes.  Responsible for the management of the full scope of the department and for the development and administration of the plant quality department budget.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily:

• Oversee the adherence to company quality metrics and targets and accurately report on trends and ratings related to quality systems at the plant with regard to state, federal, local and company regulatory requirements.
• Manage all routine regulatory aspects of operating a dairy plant under the regulatory oversight as part of the NCIMS program.
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of internal food safety programs and processes to ensure both management’s and organization’s awareness of compliance issues.  Ensure development and ongoing delivery of education/training to management and plant staff in support of company specific quality management policies and monitor organizational compliance to standards. 
• Direct the development, implementation, communication, and document control of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) to ensure compliance with regulatory agencies and customer requirements.
• Establish and monitor processes to evaluate and recommend the outcome of products that fail to meet specifications to ensure the appropriate management of product quality in line with consumer expectations. Investigate processes and root cause leading to failed product and develop solutions to eliminate reoccurrence.
• Oversee the effective management of the Quality department inclusive of all exempt and non-exempt employees servicing a 24/7 operating plant. Responsible for managing scheduling, staffing, selection, training, performance management and employee development.
• Perform education, implementation and management of all microbiological, Physio-chemical, organoleptic, and environmental analyses for R&D and QC groups.
• Develop, submit and adhere to Quality department fiscal budgets ensuring adequate resources to operate effectively.
• Responsible for company wide education to all plant personnel regarding    quality and product related issues and communications with state and federal regulators with respect to the Londonderry plant manufacturing and quality compliance.
• Work in conjunction with Manufacturing and Engineering Departments to identify systematic operational problems effecting quality and coordinate process or system changes and/or corrective actions that will resolve problems and improve operations.  Should process changes require FDA/Regulatory approval, write summary reports as required.
• With the assistance of Corporate Quality and Food Safety, direct the transition to the Groupe Danone Quality programs.
• Develop monitoring processes, trending and tracking of errors, inspection findings, and internal audit results to review and analyze data to determine if modifications or additions to the current Quality processes are required.  Create recommendations to ensure organizational compliance.
• Responsible for adhering to established quality standards and specifications regarding vendor compliance of all incoming ingredients and materials.
• Participate in the planning and execution of new product start-ups and for the implementation of any product improvements/reformulated product/process technologies at the Londonderry Plant.
• Ensure plant adherence to kosher and organic standards and specifications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 Environmental Responsibilities

• Oversee the efficient implementation of quality standards, programs and processes to improve operational efficiencies and reduce/eliminate production waste and spoilage.
• Support environmental programs established within the organization to include recycle all office wastes according to program guidelines, initiate power conservation techniques by turning off lights and Computers when not in use.
• Proactively look for ways to reduce negative impacts on the environment

 Safety Responsibilities

• Proactively work in a safe manner in the context of performing the functions of your position
• Oversee the implementation and adherence to Company safety practices and programs and hold staff accountable for leading safety in the work place.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Dairy/Food/Nutritional sciences or Food Microbiology, Master’s preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years quality assurance management experience with dairy and food industry. Experience in sanitation and manufacturing are a plus.
• Well versed in the PMO and its related regulations.  Minimum 3 years experience managing PMO regulatory compliance in a dairy manufacturing facility.
• Experience managing a production quality laboratory in a fast paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong presentation skills
• Team player with a “can do” attitude
• Strong computer skills, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines within specified time constraints
• Ability to adapt to a changing work environment
• Willingness to travel when required

 Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely lift 20 lbs.
• Ability to bend and reach files and cabinets where records are stored.
• Office environment repetitive motion through computer use is required
• Manufacturing environment operating in areas where high noise, machinery and chemicals are present

The above cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to the job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected to perform.

We offer a competitive salary and an attractive benefits package.  You must include your current salary (or specific salary expectation) with your correspondence.

Stonyfield, Inc.
Job Code DQA
10 Burton Drive
Londonderry, NH  03053

or email at

HR_Resumes@Stonyfield.com, reference Director of Quality Assurance

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
Stonyfield is an equal opportunity employer.